Two couples tie knot in Australia's 1st same-sex weddings

SYDNEY (AP) - Two female couples have tied the knot in Australia's first same-sex weddings under new legislation allowing gay marriages.

January 9 had been expected to be the first possible date for same-sex weddings due to a four-week waiting period. But the two couples were married in Sydney and Melbourne on Saturday after being granted permission to waive the notice period.

Lauren Price and Amy Laker exchanged vows in Sydney because their families had to travel from Wales in the U.K. to attend what was to have been their commitment ceremony.

Amy and Elise McDonald also were given an exemption to marry in Melbourne since their relatives had also flown in from overseas.